December, 2011
Associated Publications Inc. knows a lot about looking good. But we’re happy to report that this Chicago-based magazine publisher/media company is doing good too.
Associated Publications Inc. (API) made a difference with its real estate transaction – generating nearly $4,800 in funding for Pets Are Worth Saving Chicago (PAWS Chicago). When the time came to negotiate its lease, the company made a socially responsible choice by working with IIC Member Michael Pink of MAP Real Estate Inc. A committed Member of IIC, Michael pledged 15% of his commission, rather than the minimum 10%, to PAWS.
Editor-in-Chief Bonnie Krueger–Spurlock was thrilled to use Investing In Communities for API’s lease negotiations, and very happy with the results. “We not only had a great experience with our lease negotiation,” said Krueger, “we saved money along the way and were able to support one of Chicago’s best charities…PAWS CHICAGO!”
When API isn’t helping PAWS fight animal cruelty and needless euthanasia, it’s keeping fashion forward women across the country up to date with award-winning beauty and hair magazines. API’s publications Sophisticate’s Black Hair Styles & Care Guide and Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide reach over 2.5 million readers across the United States and are recognized as the authorities in their field.
Founded in 1978 by publishing veteran James L. Spurlock, Associate Publications Inc. was conceived as a contemporary media platform for the global hair and beauty community. The company prides itself on keeping women of all races up-to date with the latest new product information, trends, and celebrity beauty news. Today API’s star titles, Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide and Black Hair Styles & Care Guide, are the #1 best selling black hair and beauty magazine in the world.
As an industry leader, API’s outlook is bright. The company makes it a priority to stay connected with its readers, and embraced digitalization long before most print media. As a result, API hasn’t felt the sting of consumers moving to online news and entertainment sources.
According to Krueger-Spurlock, API has always embraced a “give-back philosophy.” Though they work with organizations both nationally and locally, API strives to support causes that concern its readers – such as domestic abuse, health awareness, and education. Krueger-Spurlock cites PAWS’ community outreach program as an excellent local initiative that API was proud to support.
The program reaches thousands of at-risk youth who witness dog-fighting and animal abuse, and teaches empathy and compassion in order to break the cycle of animal cruelty. She noted PAWS’ impressive impact and consecutive 4-star Charity Navigator rating as indicators of its efficacy. Since it’s founding, the number of homeless dogs and cats killed in Chicago has dropped 50%. As an animal lover herself, Krueger-Spurlock was thrilled to support Chicago’s largest no-kill humane organization at no cost, through API’s real estate transaction.
Krueger-Spurlock notes that in addition to providing excellent real estate services, Mr. Pink offered API something valuable and unique: Investing In Communities (IIC). She describes IIC as a great time-saving tool, and a hassle-free way to create awareness and identify nonprofit programs that they want to support. “And the implementation is seamless!” she added enthusiastically.
Krueger-Spurlock says that API “will always request our preferred professional participate (in IIC),” and will use IIC “to find professionals in our community who are advocates of giving back.”
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| Bonnie Krueger-Spurlock of Associated Publications Inc. and IIC Real Estate Member Michael Pink with a few of PAWS' clients. |
